A peaceful night’s rest is made all the more indulgent by a soft, cozy pajama set. Your bedtime-wear should be something you look forward to putting on, says Valerie Cacho, a board-certified internal medicine and sleep medicine physician and perimenopause sleep coach in Buena Park, Calif. “That positive energy can translate to better sleep.” And PJs aren’t just for the bedroom anymore; they’ve become a work from home staple and acceptable loungewear option. Pajamas have even stepped out as an evening wear: Last year, Jodie Foster accepted her Golden Globe win in a black and white pair, and this year, while pregnant, Rihanna famously wore a satin set out to dinner in L.A.
To help you find your perfect pajamas, we looked for sets that are comfortable, warm and stylish. We leaned more heavily on the cozy factor, giving priority to comfort for sleep, TV-watching or chilling on the couch with a good book and reading light.
After sleeping and lounging in a dozen different pairs, and then laundering them, we landed on four favorites.
Soft, stretchy and warm, this pajama set is universally flattering, comfortable to sleep in and easy to care for, and it comes in a variety of prints.
BedHead’s Classic Stretch Jersey Set delivers on everything our experts called out as essential. They’re warm without being too hot and roomy without being too baggy, and the fabric feels soft against the skin. Another thing: Comfort is often associated with stretch, Preeti Gopinath, textiles professor at the Parsons School of Design, told us, and these PJs have plenty of it. Any knit material feels “more like your favorite T-shirt,” Gopinath says. “Soft and cozy.”
We tested other pajamas with button-front notch collar shirts and straight pants and found the BedHead version superior. The Classic Set has similar design details as many button-front styles—a chest pocket and contrast piping around the collar, down the front and around the wrists and ankles—but the fit is better. Gaping was an issue on other sets’ button-front shirts, but the BedHead top laid flat with no skin peeking through. The cotton jersey fabric, certified organic by the Global Organic Textile Standard (or GOTS) is significantly stretchier than the Pima cotton pajamas we tried from Lake and Roller Rabbit, offering unrestricted movement in bed, which is nice if you tend to switch up sleeping positions. The fabric also feels plusher than others we tested, and aside from the L.L. Bean Flannel set, it’s the warmest of the bunch.
The pants have side pockets that can be handy—say, for holding reading glasses or lip balm when padding around the house—but they’re not as roomy as most of the others we encountered. The thin elastic waistband lacks a drawstring, which makes the pants comfortable to sleep in but also prone to slipping down if something weighty is in the pocket. Most other sets we tested offer multiple pant lengths; the BedHead pajama bottoms have a standard inseam measurement of 31 inches, which may be a little long for some people, but after the first cycle through the dryer, the length shrunk about an inch. While it was generally difficult to find brands with inclusive size ranges, the BedHead pajamas are available from XS up to 3X.
These pajamas are also easy to care for: machine washable, dryer-friendly and wrinkle resistant. (Washing instructions for many of the other pajamas we tested required us to lay the garments flat to dry.) Post-laundering, we detected only minimal shrinkage and no pilling. The pattern remained unfaded and the pajamas retained their shape.
A nice “extra” is that these BedHead pajamas are also available in the same patterns for infants, children, men and even the family dog. And if the straight-leg style isn’t your thing, the same stretch jersey, button-front pajamas also come in a Short Sleeve and Cropped Pant Set, Short Sleeve and Classic Shortie Set and 3/4 Sleeve Sleepshirt.
Made of medium-weight flannel, this plush pair offers just the right amount of warmth and comes in a range of sizes and patterns.
Checkered flannel pajamas are a wintry classic; there’s nothing cozier on a blustery, cold night. Essentially “cotton that’s been brushed,” Gopinath explains, flannel is a smart choice for cooler temperatures because the natural fiber has a soothing quality. “Whether it’s a pillow, a sheet or a garment, we [want] softness against our skin, especially when we sleep,” she says.
L.L. Bean’s Scotch Plaid Flannel Pajamas are the softest, warmest and most comfortable flannel set we tried. We found them comfortable for lounging and not too hot to sleep in, and after three launderings, saw no significant fabric shrinkage, pilling or color fading. You can even have them monogrammed for an extra $8.
The flannel set consists of a button-front shirt with a notch collar, chest pocket and buttoned cuffs and pocketed straight-leg pants with a drawstring elastic waistband. In both weight and feel, it’s higher quality than the PajamaGram flannel set we tested. The fabric is substantive without feeling overly heavy, and the brushed texture is ultrasoft to the touch. While it did shed a little after laundering, the amount was minimal compared with others we tested.
The pants are cut generously and the loose fit is comfortable for lounging. The pockets (a feature missing from the PajamaGram pants) are unobtrusive—they laid flat when we were sleeping. The elastic waistband is fitted enough to hold up the pants without constricting, and we appreciate the added security the drawstring provides. (It kept the pants in place when we tucked a smartphone into one pocket, for example).
The shirt is on the boxy side but has a slightly more tailored look than the other button-front PJ shirts we tested, which all hang a little baggier. The fit isn’t restrictive, but we found the BedHead pajamas’ stretchier fabric more comfortable, especially for people who sleep with their arms wrapped around the pillow or toss and turn at night.
Laundering flannel is a good test of quality, and this set held its shape and color after three machine washes and dryer cycles. The collar continued to lie flat and the material remained wrinkle-free, as touted on the site.
With a wider range of sizes than most brands—the Scotch Plaid Flannels come in regular, petite, tall and plus sizes—and a roomier fit, these are stylish and cozy pajamas that work well for many different body types. And if needed, you can easily return them under L.L. Bean’s policy, the most generous we encountered while researching pajamas: You have a full year from the purchase date to return products (even if worn and washed) that don’t meet your satisfaction.
These soft cotton pajamas are a high-quality, streamlined option for people who find buttons uncomfortable or cumbersome. They’re also available in men’s and kids’ sizes so the family can wear matching ones.
Drawstrings, buttons and pockets on pajamas aren’t an issue for everyone, but stomach sleepers especially can find these design details uncomfortable versus unadorned options. The Lake Pima Long-Long Set feels the most luxurious of any buttonless cotton sets we tested. The slightly fitted cut and contrasting trim in the same fabric give the pajamas some shape without clinging.
Pajamas in a heavier fabric often feel cozier, the way a weighted blanket (versus a standard one) might, points out Heather Newberger, a Brooklyn, N.Y.-based fashion stylist and author, and the Long-Long Set is plusher and weightier than the Pima cotton Roller Rabbit set we tested, though not as stretchy as our top pick, the BedHead pajamas. We also liked the Lake set’s stylish scoop neck and rounded hem on the pants and shirt, but noted the three-quarter sleeve, which hits between the elbow and wrist, may not be as comfortable for everyone as a standard long or short sleeve. The fabric isn’t at all see-through like it is in the Cozy Earth and P.J. Salvage sets. While sleeping, we found that the wider bottoms on the pants did ride up a little—but if that’s something you don’t like, you can opt for the tapered-leg Long John Set instead, which is made of the same soft Pima cotton.
The Pima Long-Longs fit true to size, but you’ll need to follow the care instructions to keep them that way. They’re not as easy to launder as the BedHead or L.L. Bean pajamas because they need to lie flat to dry and will shrink if tossed in the dryer. We washed and laid them flat to dry three times according to the directions and they were wrinkle-free each time.
Made of soft, breathable bamboo viscose, these pajamas feel cool against the skin and wick away moisture.
Warm sleepers or people who experience hot flashes during the night frequently feel restless when wearing pajamas under the covers, but a pair made of lightweight, sweat-wicking material can be a comfortable option. Constructed primarily of viscose from bamboo, the Cozy Earth Long Sleeve Bamboo Set in Stretch Knit pajamas are soft against the skin and breathable, not stifling.
The fit is superior to others we tested, with a thick drawstring waistband that’s far superior in comfort and pockets that are deep and accommodating without being awkward to lay on. The Eberjey set we tried was cooler against the skin and felt slightly more breathable, but the Cozy Earth’s comfortable fit ultimately won out. There is no gaping between the front buttons like there is on the Eberjey top; we attribute this to the Cozy Earth’s five buttons compared with Eberjey’s four.
The Bamboo pajamas require no special care. After three regular washer and dryer cycles, they still looked new—no shrinking, pilling or shedding, though a little wrinkled. These are the priciest pair on our list, but they also come with a 10-year warranty against defects, including pilling; you’re also permitted to sleep in them for 100 days before deciding whether to keep them, which is the most generous return policy next to that of L.L. Bean. Sizing is only available up to XXXL, but we appreciate that Cozy Earth lets you customize your fit, mixing sleeve and pant lengths, top and bottom sizes, and colors.
The Eberyjey Gisele Long PJ Set is made from Tencel modal and a bit of spandex, a soft, stretchy combination ideal for hot sleepers because it is moisture-wicking and feels cool against the skin. These are high-quality pajamas that held up well when laundered, but other sets we tested felt cozier and offered a better fit. (One tester experienced gaping between the front buttons on the Eberjay top.) Additionally, these are available only up to size XL.
Print Fresh offers the most inclusive size range of the brands we tested (XS to 6X), and while the Long Sleep Set is made of lightweight, organic cotton poplin, these pajamas aren’t quite as cooling as the Eberjay or Cozy Earth sets. They come in an assortment of beautiful patterns and the notch-collar shirt is the style we would feel most comfortable wearing outside of the house, but the crisp fabric’s lack of stretch makes these pajamas a less comfortable choice for sleep, especially if you tend to move around. They do soften up after a few washes, but they come out of the dryer quite wrinkled so you’ll need to do some ironing if you want a smooth look.
When paired together, the oversize Parachute Organic Cotton Tee and wide, cropped Organic Cotton Pant make a fashion-forward set that straddles the line between daywear and sleepwear. They feel as soft as the BedHead PJs, and we liked the added functionality of the deep pockets and security of the thick waistband. However, the T-shirt is slightly cropped, exposing the midsection when arms are raised; the Lake set’s top fits better. The pieces are sold as separates, so you can mix and match the neutral hues and order different top and bottom sizes. Because the pants are cropped, they might look too short on people who are tall (they hit right above the ankle on our 5-foot-4-inch tester).
The PajamaGram Flannel PJ Set isn’t as soft or warm as our top flannel pick, the L.L.Bean pajamas, nor have they held up as well. The fit is relaxed without being too baggy, but there was some gaping between the shirt buttons, despite fitting well otherwise. After a few wash cycles, they came out wrinkled, with slight shrinkage and some noticeable pilling, already looking worn after just a few wash cycles.
The cheery, patterned Roller Rabbit Classic PJ Set is a popular choice—and they scored well in our sleep, lounging and laundering tests—but ultimately didn’t land on top. The Henley-style shirt and tapered pants fit close to the body without being tight; they stayed in place all night without riding up. The Pima cotton has a substantial feel, but the same fabric on the Lake pajamas was a little heavier, softer and cozier. Some of the prints are available in mens, children and infant sets too so the whole family can match, and monogramming is also an option. We did notice some prints tend to go fast—two that we had our eye on sold out during the writing of this guide.
A onesie, while inherently cozy, can be tricky for middle-of-the-night bathroom visits. The Dagsmejan Sleep Jumpsuit is the most luxurious one we found in our research. A blend of merino wool, Lyocell from eucalyptus, and elastane, this lightweight jumpsuit is both breathable and warm, and in our sleep tests, felt the most responsive to body temperature changes throughout the night. The fabric is lightweight, albeit a little see-through, and it got softer with washing. A big downside is that merino is harder to care for. This suit can’t be thrown in a regular cycle like most pajamas on our list; instead, it requires a gentle machine wash with cool water, mild soap, no bleach and no tumble drying. We also ruled it out because the pockets are too small and springy to hold anything, and a few of the small buttons up top kept popping open.
Made of a Pima cotton and modal blend, the Cosabella Bella Long Sleeve Top and Pant PJ Set is soft, stretchy and breathable—but because fabric is significantly thinner than the BedHead pajamas they don’t feel as plush or cozy. The button-front top drapes nicely with no button-gaping and we like the sophisticated-looking satin piping. For sleepers who run hot and give priority to style, they’re worth considering, but our preference is the Cozy Earth pajamas because, along with a chic pant design, they hold up better to washing. (we noticed pilling on the Cosabella pants after just one wear.)
The P.J. Salvage Textured Essentials Lounge Set rivals the others we tested in terms of softness, but it didn’t make our cut in part because the delicate fabric (a rayon-polyester blend) is harder to care for than all of our top picks. The instructions specify machine-washing on cold without any items that could snag the fabric and then laying the pajamas flat to dry. The closefitting long john-style, wide banding on the wrists and tapered ankles are all features that keep the pajamas from riding up during sleep. And while the knit material is both lightweight and warm, it’s also somewhat see-through. These pajamas would also be more comfortable without the buttons, which pressed into our tester’s skin when she slept on her stomach. We also found this set prone to pilling and becoming stretched out—after a few wash cycles, the pajamas were notably baggier and fuzzier than they were when new.
I’ve reviewed workout leggings for Buy Side and I’ve previously written many buyers’ guides as a former staff writer at a leading product-reviews site. I’ve also written in-depth reviews of fitness, outdoor apparel and gear for brands including REI, Treeline Review, Outside and Gear Patrol, and I’ve interviewed experts and athletes on topics related to rest for Sleep.com.
For this guide, I consulted sleep, textile and fashion experts. To better understand the role pajamas play in good sleep hygiene, we spoke with Valerie Cacho, M.D., who has certifications in internal medicine and sleep medicine and is a perimenopause sleep coach. Dr. Cacho is also the sleep guide for Athleta’s Wellness Blog, so in the interest of remaining impartial, we chose not to review any Athleta sleepwear for this article.
We consulted Preeti Gopinath, founding director of the Textiles MFA program at Parsons School of Design at the New School and associate professor at the School of Fashion there. She has also taught within the Textile Development and Marketing Department at the State University of New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology and conducts professional and executive training programs on topics related to fabric science.
Heather Newberger is a New York-based fashion stylist, TV host and author of “ How to Date Your Wardrobe .” We spoke at length about fashion trends, fabric selection and how clothing can influence mood, particularly with respect to sleepwear.
What’s considered cozy and cute is largely a matter of personal preference, but we looked for pajamas that were comfortable, warm and stylish. Driven by input from our expert panel, we considered four main factors:
Taking the key criteria and input from our pros into consideration, we started by researching the highest-reviewed and bestselling sleepwear on major online retail sites. We examined reviews in product-review publications as well as the opinions of customers who bought pajamas.
We looked for options in sizes XXS to 6X (in general, we had a difficult time finding inclusive sizing in the sleepwear category and noticed that many brands did not go beyond size XL or XXL). While there are luxury PJ sets that can run $1,000, we focused our search primarily on pajamas priced between $30 and $300.
We evaluated a variety of styles: button-front notch collars, T-shirts, long- and short-sleeve shirts, straight pants, wide and tapered pants, pocketed and pocketless pajamas, onesies and separates. Decorative details like pockets, piping and buttons were considered a bonus only if they added style without compromising comfort. To judge pockets, we looked at how comfortable they were to lie on, and whether they were able to hold substantial items like a phone without causing the pants to fall down. We checked the bulkiness of waistband drawstrings and whether elastics were too tight or not tight enough. In shirts, we looked for a nice shape and comfortable drape, and made note of any gaping between buttons.
Styles that skewed too far toward loungewear were dismissed because we wanted to focus on the primary purpose of pajamas: getting a good night’s rest. Homing in on the coziest and cutest options, we ultimately landed on 12 pairs to test.
To give every pair of pajamas a fair shot, we stuck to the same daily bedtime and morning routines. Every evening, we changed into a pair of pajamas and relaxed by lounging for a couple of hours before going to sleep. In the morning, we wore the pajamas while answering emails from bed, while making breakfast and while prepping for the day. We followed Dr. Cacho’s advice for good sleep hygiene, including no caffeine after noon and no screens one hour before bedtime. Screen time “can delay the release of melatonin, which can disrupt your sleep,” she notes. We slept in the same conditions every night. “The best sleep environment is a bedroom that’s dark, quiet and cool,” Dr. Cacho says, so we set the room to a moderate 65 degrees Fahrenheit — the optimal sleep temperature according to the National Sleep Foundation.
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